Fun under the sun: 5 convertibles you can buy in PH

In the Philippines, where the weather can range from dramatic rain to scorching heat, most motorists who are traveling by car will prefer the comfort of an enclosed, air-conditioned space. 

However, those with a yearning for the “freedom of the road” and getting the “feel of the wind on their hair” will often turn to convertible vehicles. 

So, in anticipation of summer, here’s a list of five locally available convertible rides you can buy as a possible road-trip chariot or as a fun weekend getaway car. 

Mazda MX-5

One of the most accessible convertible models in the Philippine market right now is the Mazda MX-5. Currently, the soft-top versions have a price ranging from P2.3 million-P2.45 million. The most expensive version is the one with a tan top, an automatic transmission, and a Nappa leather interior. 

The Mazda MX-5 RF (retractable fastback) version, on the other hand, has a price range of P2.55 million-P2.6 million. Its top-spec version is the one fitted with a Nappa leather interior. 

All Mazda MX-5 versions are propelled by the Skyactiv-G, an inline-4 2.0-liter gasoline engine capable of producing up to 181 horsepower (hp) and 205 Newton-meters (Nm) of torque. All versions are rear-wheel-drive, but the RF version exclusively comes with a six-speed automatic, while the soft-top version may come with an automatic or a six-speed manual transmission. 

Notable interior features of the Philippine-spec Mazda MX-5 include the following: 

• Adaptive LED headlamps
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Power-folding side mirrors
• Power retracting roof (RF)
• i-Activsense (advanced driver-assist systems)
• 9-piece Bose speaker set
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• 8.8-inch central touchscreen
• Auto-dimming rearview mirror
• Automatic climate control

Here is a table summarizing the mechanical specifications of the Mazda MX-5 RF:

Model	Mazda MX-5 RF
Engine	2.0-liter Skyactiv-G inline-4 gasoline
Transmission	Six-speed automatic
Drivetrain	Rear-wheel-drive
Horsepower	181
Torque	205 Nm
Front suspension	Double wishbone
Rear suspension	Multi-link
Brakes	Front and rear discs

 

BMW Z4

Moving up on the price range is the BMW Z4, which starts at P4.89 million for the entry-level sDrive20i M Sport. 

Propelling the German-made convertible roadster is a 2.0-liter inline-4 engine capable of putting out 197 hp and 320 Nm of torque. The more expensive M40i variant, on the other hand, comes with a 3.0-liter inline-6 that can generate up to 387 hp and 500 Nm of torque. 

Handling gear shifts for the top-down Bimmer is an eight-speed automatic gearbox. Like many other rides on this list, it is rear-wheel-drive. 

As a side note, the Z4 actually shares a lot of mechanical DNA with the Toyota GR Supra. Unfortunately, the coupe version of the BMW model, which is more closely associated with the Toyota-made two-seater, is unavailable locally. 

For its features, the Z4 boasts bolstered M Sport seats, a 12.3-inch infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, dual-zone automatic climate controls, a 12-piece Harman Kardon speaker set, and loads of safety gear - among others.  

Here is a table showcasing the mechanical specifications of the Philippine-spec BMW Z4 sDrive20i M Sport: 

Model	BMW Z4 sDrive M Sport
Engine	2.0-liter inline-4 gasoline
Transmission	Eight-speed automatic
Drivetrain	Rear-wheel-drive
Horsepower	197
Torque	320 Nm
Front suspension	MacPherson strut
Rear suspension	Multi-link
Brakes	Front and rear discs

Lexus LC 500 Convertible

Another sporty car sold in the Philippines with the ability to be driven with the top down is the Lexus LC 500 Convertible. 

With a price starting at P12.368 million, the Lexus two-seater convertible model is a sporty-looking ride propelled by a 5.0-liter V8 engine. 

At maximum, it can generate up to 471 hp and 540 Nm of torque. It also uses a 10-speed automatic transmission, sending power to its rear wheels. It is also fitted with a limited-slip differential, six-piston front brake calipers, and an active roll bar. 

Other notable features of the LC 500 Convertible include an ADAS suite, a Mark Levinson speaker system, a 10.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, dual-zone automatic climate controls, leather upholstery, ventilated and power-adjustable front seats, and a power-adjustable steering column - among others. 

Here’s a table showing the Lexus LC 500 Convertible’s mechanical details: 

Model	Lexus LC 500 Convertible
Engine	5.0-liter V8 gasoline
Transmission	10-speed automatic
Drivetrain	Rear-wheel-drive
Horsepower	471
Torque	540 Nm
Front suspension	Multi-link
Rear suspension	Multi-link
Brakes	Front and rear discs

Mercedes-Benz SL

Another car that allows for fun in the sun while driving is the Mercedes-Benz SL. For its exact pricing details, interested folks should connect with the marque’s local dealers, but it sports track-bred engineering and German-designed luxury. 

For the 55 4Matic Plus variant, it uses a 4.0-liter biturbo V8 engine capable of producing up to 476 hp and 700 Nm of torque. The said eight-cylinder mill is linked to a nine-speed automatic transmission, sending power to all four wheels. 

For extra grip, it comes with an adaptive suspension system and a limited-slip differential. Comfort and convenience, on the other hand, are ensured by leather-clad seats, the MBUX augmented reality navigation system, automatic air-conditioning, and a Burmester sound system - among others. 

Here is a table highlighting the mechanical details of the Mercedes-Benz SL 55 4Matic Plus: 

Model	Mercedes-Benz SL 55 4Matic Plus
Engine	4.0-liter biturbo V8 gasoline
Transmission	Nine-speed automatic
Drivetrain	All-wheel-drive
Horsepower	476
Torque	700 Nm
Front suspension	Multi-link
Rear suspension	Multi-link
Brakes	Front and rear discs

Porsche 911 Cabriolet

Last but not least is the Porsche 911 Cabriolet. Among the other 911 Cabriolet trims and the other convertibles listed here, the Turbo S variant is the most powerful, thanks to its beefy twin turbocharged 3.8-liter six-cylinder engine. 

At maximum, the said powertrain can generate up to 641 hp and 800 Nm of torque. With the said power output, the Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabriolet can accelerate from zero to 100 kilometers per hour in just 2.8 seconds. 

Other notable equipment reinforcing the said model’s performance is an eight-speed Porsche dual-clutch transmission, a limited-slip differential, an all-wheel-drive system, an active suspension system, dynamic chassis control, a launch control system, ceramic composite brakes, and many other features. 

For its comfort-oriented bits, the German-made convertible comes with the following: 

• Leather upholstery
• Power-adjustable seating
• 10.9-inch infotainment display
• Bose sound system
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• ADAS
• A powered wind deflector
• Automatic climate controls

Here’s a table summarizing the mechanical specs of the Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabriolet: 

Model	Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabriolet
Engine	3.8-liter twin-turbo flat-six gasoline
Transmission	Eight-speed dual-clutch
Drivetrain	All-wheel-drive
Horsepower	641
Torque	800 Nm
Front suspension	MacPherson strut
Rear suspension	Multi-link
Brakes	Front and rear discs

 

For pricing details of the Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabriolet, one can contract or visit the brand’s dealerships located in Bonifacio Global City or Greenhills, Mandaluyong City. 

Final thoughts

Obviously, the list is non-exhaustive, and we might have missed one or two locally available convertibles. Regardless, the ones listed above are prime examples of the very niche sports car body type. 

So, which one’s your favorite? 

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